Chapter 535
Chapter 535:
When Alisha introduced Ashton to Egan, all eyes turned to Egan. The anticipation grew as people were eager to see the interaction between these two apparent rivals.
Egan narrowed his eyes, staring at Ashton.
He scoffed quietly, whispering to himself, “So this is the Ashton Baldwin who angered Fraser? Doesn’t look too impressive. This party couldn’t be a better chance… You were unfortunate to come; don’t expect to leave here without trouble!”
Ashton and Egan locked eyes, an unspoken challenge passing between them, each man sizing up the other like dueling predators. Beneath the surface, amusement danced like shadows across their faces.
Without warning, Egan strode toward Ashton, his gaze sharp and unyielding, like a hawk zeroing in on its prey.
Egan’s cold, detached voice cut through the air as he gave Ashton a once-over. “So, you’re the Ashton my two disappointing sons won’t stop whining about? It’s not often you see a young man weasel his way into a high-profile event like this. Word on the street says you’re something special. But now, looking at you…” He paused, his eyes narrowing. “I can’t help but think you’re painfully ordinary.”
From the intel he’d gathered from the Marquez brothers, Ashton knew that Egan was no mere father scolding wayward children—he was a real linchpin of the Dark Night Organization. The brothers were mere pawns, moving at his command.
Sensing this face-off was an opportunity, Ashton discreetly pressed the recording device hidden in his pocket. He flashed Egan a smile and replied with disarming casualness, “Did you come over just to offer a critique, or was there something else on your mind? I was enjoying a rather charming conversation with a lovely lady, and frankly, I’m not all that interested in chatting with a grumpy middle-aged man.”
Egan’s expression twisted, his thinly veiled rage rising like a storm on the horizon. His lips curled into a snarl. “Well played, Ashton. I wonder if you’ll have the guts to talk to me like this later.”
With that, Egan turned on his heel and rejoined his circle of elites, his face dark with simmering anger.
ｍ𝚘𝚛ｅ ｕ𝚙ｄ𝚊ｔｅｓ 𝚒ｎ ɢ𝚊ｌ𝚗𝚘ｖ𝚎ｌ𝚜.𝚌𝚘𝚖
A ripple of murmurs spread through the room as some of Egan’s closest associates exchanged sneers, their disdain for Ashton barely concealed.
One of them leaned in, whispering loud enough for others to hear, “Come now, Egan. This is Rayden’s birthday celebration. Why lose your temper over that kid?”
“Exactly! We’re all prominent figures in Staville. The only reason Ashton’s even here is because of Rayden’s daughter. If not for that connection, he wouldn’t have made it past the gate.”
Another chimed in, “Yeah, he’s just some pretty boy riding on someone else’s coattails. Definitely not worth getting riled up over.”
Their mocking words, filled with condescension, rang loud enough to stir murmurs among the guests.
Whispers spread like wildfire, turning heads as they trailed Ashton’s every move.
.
.
.